50 years ago, the 1972 Washington Redskins became the first team in Washington history to play in a Super Bowl.
Playing in the NFC East meant facing Dallas twice during the regular season. The first match-up took place at RFK Stadium in Week 6 on Oct. 22, 1972.
Two things have stuck with me since my childhood about that day. The first was that after church that morning we ate lunch and then watched Game 7 of the 1972 World Series. That was back in the day when kids were encouraged by MLB to watch postseason baseball. All I recall about the game was I was rooting for the Cincinnati Reds at home, but they lost to the Oakland A’s.
When the World Series game had concluded, the 4 p.m. ET CBS national broadcast began the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys at the Washington Redskins.
To this day, I recall being so frustrated thinking the Cowboys were going to blow out the Redskins. Dallas jumped out to a 13-0 lead, and it could have been worse, but the Washington defense held the Cowboys inside of the 10 yard-line twice resulting in two short Tony Fritsch field goals.
But Sonny Jurgensen who only attempted 16 passes on that October day would complete 11 with no interceptions and Washington would come back. Jurgensen connected with Larry Brown for a 19-yard touchdown pass narrowing the deficit to 13-7 at the half.
But Dallas again increased the lead to 13 (20-7) when Walt Garrison scored from one yard. Larry Brown then took a toss to the left side, got a great block from fullback Charlie Harraway, cut back and scored a 34-yard touchdown making the deficit 20-14.
Curt Knight’s 42-yard field goal brought Washington even closer to 20-17. Jurgensen then lead the Redskins on an 80-yard drive in seven plays, the final a 13-yard touchdown run by Harraway.
Washington had twice come back from 13-point deficits to win 24-20. The win elevated Washington’s record to 5-1 and dropped Dallas to 4-2. It was the third consecutive win for Washington.